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Renting a car abroad feels liberating, but it comes with rules that can trip you up if you don’t pay attention. Many U.S. travelers assume the rules of the road translate everywhere, only to discover unexpected permits, surprise toll systems, or strict seasonal requirements. These aren’t minor details; they can derail your trip with fines or invalidate your insurance. With a little awareness, you can dodge those headaches. Let’s break down some of the most overlooked local laws so you can drive with confidence.
You Might Need an International Driving Permit in Japan
Japan doesn’t let short-term visitors drive with a U.S. license alone. You’ll need an International Driving Permit under the 1949 Geneva Convention, paired with your home license. Rental agencies will check, and police do roadside spot inspections. Skip it and you risk fines or being uninsured after an accident. The permit is easy to get from AAA before you leave. Carry both documents with you every time you drive, and know that rules differ for residents or licenses not issued in English.
Italy’s ZTL Cameras Will Ticket You, Not Warn You
Italian cities like Florence, Rome, and Milan enforce ZTL zones, restricted traffic areas marked by signs that tourists often miss. Drive in without authorization, and cameras will log your plate. Each entry is a separate fine, usually mailed months later through your rental company, with extra fees attached. Hotels can sometimes register your car for access, but don’t count on it. If you’re unsure, park outside the old town and take public transport. GPS navigation apps won’t prevent violations if you ignore the red light on the ZTL sign.
In London, Congestion Charge and ULEZ Are Separate Fees
London’s roads come with two major costs. The Congestion Charge applies during certain hours in central London, while ULEZ fees kick in if your vehicle doesn’t meet emissions standards. They’re separate systems, and many travelers forget you must pay both online the same day. Rental cars aren’t exempt, and penalties stack quickly if ignored. Electric vehicles may skip the ULEZ, but not the Congestion Charge. Before driving in, run your plate through Transport for London’s checker and confirm charges apply, or arrange parking outside the zones.
France’s Crit’Air Sticker Controls Access to Some Cities
Driving into cities like Paris or Lyon without the proper Crit’Air emissions sticker can earn you a fine. These stickers categorize vehicles by pollution levels, and during high-smog days, only certain categories are allowed into city centers. Foreign drivers must order them online in advance since rentals rarely provide them. Delivery can take weeks, so plan ahead. Even if you’re just passing through on a ring road, confirm whether it sits inside the regulated zone. Local police enforce it strictly, so don’t gamble with this one.
Switzerland and Austria Require Highway Vignettes
If you hit the motorway in Switzerland or Austria, you’ll need a vignette, a toll sticker or digital pass. Skip it, and you’ll be fined on the spot. Switzerland only sells annual passes, while Austria offers short-term options like a 10-day pass. Not every rental automatically includes them, so check the windshield or ask the agent before driving off. Buy them at the border, online, or at service stations. Cameras and roadside patrols check compliance constantly, so assuming you’re fine is a mistake that gets expensive fast.
Portugal’s Electronic-Only Tolls Need Setup in Advance
Portugal uses a mix of traditional toll booths and electronic-only highways that scan your license plate. With a rental car, you must register for a system like EasyToll, TollCard, or rent a Via Verde device. Without setup, you’ll face fines plus rental agency admin charges later. The tricky part is that not all roads accept the same system, so confirm which highways you’ll use before driving. At pickup, ask if your car already has a transponder. It saves you confusion and unnecessary bills after the trip.
Norway Requires Headlights 24/7
In Norway, headlights must be on at all times, even in the middle of a bright summer day. Many rentals come with daytime running lights, but some don’t, and driving without proper illumination is a ticketable offense. Long tunnels, shifting weather, and sudden fog make this rule practical, not cosmetic. Check your dashboard to confirm the lights are on before setting off, and learn how to switch from daytime to dipped beams. Forgetting isn’t just unsafe; it’s one of the most common mistakes foreign drivers make.
Winter Tires and Studded-Tire Fees in Norway
Winter roads in Norway demand preparation. From November through spring, cars must have winter tires, and studs are regulated by date and location. In Oslo and Bergen, studded tires require a paid permit, visible on the windshield. Police can check tread depth or tire type at any time, and fines are steep for noncompliance. If you’re renting in winter, confirm what tires are fitted and whether the car includes the city permit for studs. You’re legally responsible, not the rental company, if the car isn’t compliant.
Japan’s 0.03% BAC Limit and Shared Liability
Japan has one of the strictest blood-alcohol limits in the world at 0.03%. Even a single drink could put you over. What makes it tougher is shared liability, since passengers and car owners can also face penalties for letting someone drive impaired. Police carry out regular breath tests, and rental insurance won’t cover alcohol-related incidents. If you’re drinking, call a taxi or use a daiko service, where two drivers deliver both you and your car home. In Japan, the safest assumption is simple: no alcohol if you’re driving.
Iceland’s F-Roads Require 4×4, and Off-Roading Is Illegal
Iceland’s rugged highland F-roads are legal only for 4×4 vehicles, and many involve river crossings. Taking a standard rental into these roads isn’t just risky, it’s illegal and voids insurance. Off-road driving anywhere in Iceland is also banned, with massive fines for damaging fragile landscapes. Summer openings vary by weather, and closures are non-negotiable. Before heading into the highlands, check road.is, confirm your rental contract allows it, and never follow tire tracks into open land. Off-roading isn’t adventure here, it’s destruction, and the penalties reflect that.